Honors Seminars Spring 2012

This is a course in contemporary metaphysics addressing the philosophical paradoxes of time travel. Contemporary metaphysicians argue that time travel is possible. Their arguments are based on sophisticated theories about time, identity-over-time, causation, and free will. We will consider each of these topics and others, always with an eye to their implications about time-travel. One unusual feature of the course will be the occasional use of science fiction to focus our discussions. (Don't miss the two movie nights for viewings of 12 Monkeys and Primer.) Students taking this course will approach many familiar questions with unfamiliar depth and rigor, thus becoming poised to understand the true nature of reality.